Road and Bridge Supervisors Save a Life with CPR
Posted On: March 10, 2025
Heroes come in many forms, from first responders and teachers to members of the military, and now we can add another category – Volusia County Road and Bridge supervisors.
When a laborer collapsed on the grounds of the Public Works Northeast Services Facility in Daytona Beach on Jan. 27, Supervisors Adam Cozier and Shawn McKlem sprang into action. They quickly determined that the man had no pulse and was not breathing and began chest compressions. They restored a pulse before Volusia County Emergency Medical Services arrived, restored breathing, and transported him to a local hospital, where he recovered.
Cozier, who is responsible for the maintenance of drainage structures throughout the county, and Mr. McKlem, who coordinates road maintenance services, had each taken CPR classes on their own. This was the first time they put their training to use.
Cozier, who lives in Ormond Beach, began his career with Volusia County in 2010 as an equipment operator and was promoted to Road and Bridge supervisor in 2021. McKlem, an Edgewater resident, is a Public Works supervisor who joined the Road and Bridge team in 2005.
“Their quick actions, along with those of other Road and Bridge staff and our EMS team, played a key role in saving the man’s life,” said County Manager George Rectenwald. “Their response also demonstrates the importance of community members becoming educated in hands-only CPR.”
